Generocksity Kingston helps charities, musicians

Being philanthropic doesn’t mean you have to go to an expensive gala or donate hundreds of dollars — it can be as simple as paying a cover charge.

That’s the premise behind Generocksity Kingston, a new organization that stages concerts in the city and donates all of the proceeds to a local charity each time. It is an offshoot of Generocksity Vancouver, which was started a couple of years ago and has raised thousands of dollars for charities in that city.

“Essentially, we’re providing an accessible way for young people to be philanthropic without even really thinking about it,” explained Marc Levin, president and founder of the Kingston chapter.

“They just go out with their friends and have a good time and every single cent of their ticket, which normally goes to the club, goes straight to the charity at each event.”

So far, the group has held two events. The first, in October, raised $2,100 for the Kingston Youth Shelter. The second, in January, raised $1,800 for Camp Trillium, which is a camp for children with cancer. A third event, and the final one until next year, takes place Wednesday, and will benefit Loving Spoonful, which aims to ensure Kingston is a food-secure community.

“The thing that makes our organization different is that, first, we’re providing donations to local charities,” said Levin, a second-year student at Queen’s University.

“Second, it’s a different local charity at each event, so it’s widespread. And, also, we’re providing this platform for up-and-coming artists, and live artists, to perform.”

Levin started the local branch in the fall after being contacted by Generocksity founder, and childhood friend, Zeke Blumenkrans about a year ago.

“When I was finishing my first year at Queen’s University, he said, ‘I want to branch it out to other campuses across Canada,’ ” recalled kinesiology major Levin.

“So in September, at the beginning of my second year, I gathered a team of 14 undergraduate students, and we started this organization.”

Generocksity Inc. now has branches at McMaster University in Hamilton and in Leiden, Holland. A new chapter is planned for Montreal’s McGill University starting in the fall.

With just two events in the books, Levin and company have already been overwhelmed by the response.

“It has been absolutely incredible,” the 19-year-old suggested. “Since our first event, I’ve had numerous people ask me, ‘How can I get involved? How can I contribute?’ ”

Raising money for local charities is just one of Generocksity Kingston’s goals.

“What we want to do, I guess, is inspire and motivate and provide tools for other youths to be philanthropic in their own individual ways, you know?” suggested Levin. “So if someone my age can be like, ‘Well, you know, if Marc started his own philanthropic organization, I can do the same thing.’ ”

For Levin, one of the most satisfying aspects of the group’s effort is speaking with representatives from the designated charity, who excitedly explain what they’re going to do with the money.

“I think every time we speak with an organization, it’s amazing to see their reactions,” Levin said. “Students do have a heart, and they want to give back.”